ExxonMobil says safety device triggered noise, smoke

Noise and smoke from the ExxonMobil Plastics Plant on La. 19 near Baker were the result of safety devices relieving pressure on a unit that experienced operational problems, according to a Monday news release from ExxonMobil Baton Rouge.

The situation was not an emergency, according to the news release from Lana Sonnier Venable, spokeswoman with ExxonMobil Baton Rouge.

At 2:34 p.m., there was an operational problem at one of the plant’s operating units, which in turn activated the unit’s safety devices to release non-toxic material, according to the press release. The release of those gases caused noise and smoke that could be heard and seen outside the facility.

“ExxonMobil personnel immediately reported the event to all appropriate agencies. There were no injuries, and there was no significant environmental impact to the surrounding community,” according to the news release.

Anyone with questions about the event can call ExxonMobil at (225) 977-8393 or access the operations information line at (225) 977-0410.